Hello from across the pond

[sablebaby]

Try realtor.com.

[haymann]

Originally Posted by Stefan_from_Germany

Hello everybody,

I am new to this fantastic forum so please let me introduce myself. My name is Stefan (what a surprise) and I live in Heidelberg, Germany. I have lived in PHX for a year in 96/97 and have since been back a number of times to visit the family I have stayed with during my time in AZ. I consider Arizon my second home.

While I think that Phoenix isn't the most beautiful city in the world, I really like Arizona. The climate, the natural landsapes, the open spaces, the flying etc.

I have considered moving back to the States on more than one occasion. I presently work as a pilot for NetJets Europe and who knows I might be able to find a flying job in the U.S.. First I would have to get a green card, though.

Anyway, the dollar is cheap and real estate prices have gone down a bit so I thought now might be as good a time as any to invest in some Arizona land.

Like any land purchase I see it as an investment, but not primarelly. I want to find a place I really like because I am not planning to sell anytime soon.

I'd like to buy some acreage out towards the north of Phoenix. I have read these forums quite a bit and searched the listings on the MLS.

I have no immediate plans for building but it must be legal to build a home on the property I am going to buy. Remote is ok, but not too remote. Electricity is not that impotant (I think I would go solar), but being able to drill a well is.

Don't necessarelly want to go up too high or too far north as I don't mind the heat, but a few degrees cooler than Phoenix and maybe a bit greener would be nice.

There are so many places to look at so I was wondering if you could help me with a few hints to help my search. To summarize: I am looking for:

1-5+ acres roughly in the area north of Phoenix as far west as Wickenburg, as far north as Flagstaff and as far east as Show Low within a reasonable drive of civilization

Electricity not needed, well must be feasible.

Close to an airport (general aviation) would be nice.

Want to be able to build a home on the parcel (needs residential zoning)

Budget is around 50k.

I might also consider New Mexico. I hear the Santa Fe area is very nice but I guess that's for another thread.

I will be travelling to Arizona in February/March and would appreciate any help from fellow members.

Direct messages welcome, too.

Best regards,

Stefan

Green card, what the heck! We got 30-50 million illegal Mexicans working here, that can't even speak english, one German who speaks english won't even be noticed. Hehehehe.
What about Laughlin area, they have an international airport, so they call it. It is an area on the verge of big growth do to casions, retirement, close to California, etc. Prices are down, and as you have pointed out so is the dollar, whata combination, great for you and great for a new start.

[Stefan_from_Germany]

Thanks everybody for your tips. About the greencard: If I did move to the US I would want to have a flying job and that pretty much doesn't work as an illegal immigrant ;-)

Talking about flying. I have now included airparks in my search. I know that most are too pricey for me but there are a couple that could be afordable. I will keep you all posted.

edited to say:

I have been to Laughlin and it is not my kind of town, I think. I don't really care for casinos all that much and it is a bit middle of nowwhere if I remember correctly. I think I still prefer the area northwest to northeast of PHX (my friends live in PHX) or maybe the Albuquerque/Santa Fe, NM area. I haven't looked at the southeastern part of AZ yet but I will.